Lets others know that you are listening, that you understand or are trying to understand them and that you care
Paraphrasing is one of the most valuable and least used communication tools in groups. Even people who naturally and skillfully paraphrase in one-on-one settings often neglect this vital behavior in group settings. Groups that develop consciousness about paraphrasing and give themselves permission to use this reflective tool become clearer and more cohesive about their work.
A well-crafted paraphrase communicates, “I am trying to understand you—and therefore, I value what you have to say” and establishes a relationship between people and ideas, questions preceded by paraphrases will be perceived similarly. Questions by themselves, no matter how artfully constructed, put a degree of psychological distance between the asker and the asked. Paraphrasing aligns the parties and creates a safe environment for thinking.
Paraphrases reflect the speaker’s content and the speaker’s emotions about the content and frame a logical level for holding the content. The paraphrase reflects content back to the speaker for further consideration and connects that response to the flow of discourse emerging within the group. Such paraphrasing creates permission to probe for details and elaboration. Without the paraphrase, probing may be perceived as interrogation.
